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Akastor ASA: Akastor purchases ownership interests in AKOFS Offshore from Mitsui

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FORNEBU, Norway, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Akastor ASA (OSE: AKAST) and Mitsui & Co., Ltd, (“Mitsui”) have today signed an agreement for the transfer of all of Mitsui’s interests in AKOFS Offshore AS (“AKOFS Offshore”) to Akastor. Agreed purchase price, after certain adjustments, is USD 22.5 million, of which USD 15 million is payable at closing and remaining USD 7.5 million is payable in two equal tranches in June and December 2025. The agreement is entered into on an “as is” basis and includes all of Mitsui’s interests in AKOFS Offshore, which includes both equity and shareholder loans. As part of the transaction, Akastor also assumes Mitsui’s exposure under the guarantee structure related to the financing of “AKOFS Santos”.

Following completion of the transaction, Akastor will hold 75% of the shares in AKOFS Offshore while the remaining 25% will remain owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (“MOL”). As part of the transaction, Akastor and MOL as remaining shareholders will negotiate and enter into a new shareholders agreement, on substantially similar terms but suitably adjusted to reflect the changed ownership.

Karl Erik Kjelstad, CEO of Akastor, comments; “We sincerely thank Mitsui for their valuable and good collaboration since 2018. We believe the timing for increasing our investment in AKOFS Offshore is right, as market dynamics within the subsea well intervention and installation sector are increasingly compelling. We are excited to deepen our commitment as well as to continue the journey together with MOL as partner. Together, we remain confident that AKOFS Offshore is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come and are well aligned regarding our ownership strategy.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to take place in early Q1 2025. AKOFS Offshore will remain classified as a joint venture and accounted for using the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.

Arctic Securities is acting as financial advisor in connection with the transaction and BA-HR law firm as legal advisor.

For further information, please contact:
Øyvind Paaske
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +47 917 59 705
oyvind.paaske@akastor.com

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

About AKOFS Offshore:

AKOFS Offshore is a provider of vessel-based subsea well installation and intervention services to the oil and gas industry. The company operates three specialized offshore vessels, AKOFS Santos, Aker Wayfarer and AKOFS Seafarer, with the first two vessels contracted to Petrobras for work in Brazil and the last one contracted to Equinor for work on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The company employed 352 people as per the end of 2023. AKOFS Offshore is owned by Akastor AS (50%), Mitsui & Co., Ltd (25%) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (25%).

For further information, please visit homepage: https://www.akofsoffshore.com

Akastor is a Norway-based oil-services investment company with a portfolio of industrial holdings and other investments. The company has a flexible mandate for active ownership and long-term value creation.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

 

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Dr. Robert Yap Honoured with World Chinese Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award at GCET 2024

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dr Robert Yap, Executive Chairman of YCH Group, has been awarded the 2024 World Chinese Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Chinese Economic & Technology Summit (GCET 2024) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This prestigious award recognises Dr Yap’s enduring contributions to fostering economic collaboration, advancing regional trade efficiency, and strengthening ties within the global Chinese diaspora. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing sustainable economic integration and enhancing ASEAN-China trade relations.

Strengthening Ties Within the Global Chinese Diaspora

Enhancing ASEAN-China Connectivity through ASLN: Dr Yap has been a key proponent of the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), which facilitates hub-to-hub connectivity across ASEAN and China. Under his leadership, YCH Group’s SuperPorts™ network integrates multimodal logistics hubs, streamlining trade flows, reducing transit times, and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

Providing Sustainable Growth Solutions: Through the SGConnect™ Initiative, YCH Group contributes to ASLN’s objectives by providing ASEAN member states with sustainable solutions to “grow without growing pains.” These initiatives combine smart technologies and green logistics to promote efficient and environmentally responsible trade flows.

Driving Collaboration Through Leadership: Dr Yap has been a steadfast advocate for the advancement of the ASEAN Economic Community for over 21 years. In 2007, under his Chairmanship, the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) were established to celebrate the achievements of ASEAN enterprises and individuals who have excelled within the region. These awards serve as an inspiration for aspiring companies and talents, showcasing exemplary home-grown success stories.

In 2018, during his second Chairmanship term, Dr Yap spearheaded the launch of the Smart Growth Connect (SGConnect™) legacy project, ASEAN-BAC’s fifth legacy initiative. SGConnect™ provides a robust ecosystem designed to foster a resilient and connected ASEAN by addressing challenges and enabling sustainable growth.

Dr Yap’s visionary leadership has laid a strong foundation for an intelligent and resilient supply chain framework across ASEAN. The SGConnect™ model has been brought to life through landmark initiatives such as the Vietnam SuperPort™, with the Cambodia SuperPort™ and others soon to follow. These projects are instrumental in realising the vision of the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN) by enhancing intra-ASEAN trade, strengthening ASEAN-China connectivity, and extending trade beyond the region.

Recognised for his remarkable contributions, Dr Yap was recently honoured as an Emeritus Council Member, further cementing his legacy as a champion of regional collaboration and economic integration.

With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Dr Yap’s innovative and forward-thinking approach continues to empower ASEAN member states and the global Chinese business community to collaborate, innovate, and drive sustainable progress in global trade.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Cecil Chua
Head of Corporate Communications, YCH Group
Email: cecil.chua@ych.com

About YCH Group 

YCH Group is Singapore’s leading homegrown, end-to-end supply chain solutions partner to some of the world’s largest companies and favourite brands across more than 100 cities in the Asia Pacific region. YCH focuses on boosting productivity and sustainability for its customers with its proprietary best-in-class suite of award-winning solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, chemical and healthcare, cold chain logistics, and e-Commerce. A strong proponent of innovation, YCH is recognised for its 7PL™ approach in seamlessly integrating supply chain strategy with execution. 

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SOURCE YCH Group

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Sumitomo Corporation and Rikkeisoft Corporation Have Entered Strategic Partnership to Drive Global Digital Transformation

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TOKYO, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sumitomo Corporation and Rikkeisoft Corporation today announced a strategic partnership aimed at mutual business growth and synergy creation. The agreement underscores Sumitomo Corporation’s recognition of Rikkeisoft’s capabilities and promising growth trajectory. Sumitomo Corporation – a Fortune Global 500 company – is confident that Rikkeisoft – a premier technology services provider – will support its business transformation, leveraging strengths to drive growth and accelerating new opportunities through digital and green transformation.

Rikkeisoft, which aspires to become the first Vietnamese technology company listed on the Nasdaq or NYSE, believes this partnership will enable both companies to provide comprehensive, end-to-end IT services on a global scale, accelerating clients’ digital transformation efforts. Together, the companies will deliver a full range of technology solutions, including consultancy, requirement definition, system design, development, quality assurance, implementation, and maintenance for clients worldwide.  

This partnership marks Sumitomo Corporation’s first collaboration with a Vietnamese IT enterprise. The multi-billion-dollar conglomerate has a proven track record of implementing key projects across various sectors, including manufacturing and industrial development.

Outside of Japan, Sumitomo Corporation operates in 65 countries with strong footprints in the U.S. and APAC regions. The strategic partnership from Sumitomo Corporation opens new avenues for Rikkeisoft to collaborate on digital and green transformation initiatives for businesses worldwide.  

Since its establishment in 2012, Rikkeisoft has pursued a “Go Global” strategy, consistently expanding into new markets. In 2023, the company launched its U.S. subsidiary, RKTech America Corporation, headquartered in Plano, Texas. This expansion aims to deliver high-quality, comprehensive IT solutions and services tailored to the needs of American businesses, further strengthening Rikkeisoft’s global presence.

In the APAC region, Rikkeisoft currently serves hundreds of clients across Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and beyond. To meet the growing demand for service solutions and skilled talent in digital transformation, the company has established multiple representative offices in the region, including its most recent office in South Korea in 2024.

Statement from Shunichi Aramaki, Executive Officer, General Manager of Digital Strategy Division (Sumitomo Corporation):  
“Rikkeisoft’s commitment to building trusted relationships with clients aligns well with Sumitomo Corporation’s values, and Rikkeisoft’s agile and flexible development framework closely meets the DX needs of our clients and group companies.

By combining Sumitomo Corporation’s global network and industry expertise with Rikkeisoft’s cross-border development experience, we aim to create synergies that support growth and innovation for both companies”.

Statement from Tung Ta, Chairman of Rikkeisoft:  
“By leveraging Sumitomo Corporation’s global network and financial resources, we aim to provide our IT solutions to companies worldwide and expand our market. This partnership with Sumitomo Corporation is vital in enhancing IT cooperation between Vietnam and global markets, promoting digital transformation”.  

Statement from Tung Bui, SEVP of Rikkeisoft and CEO of RKTech: 
“Through its U.S. subsidiary RKTech, Rikkeisoft will collaborate with Sumitomo Corporation’s U.S. subsidiaries to deliver greater value to clients across North and Latin America. Combining Japanese management excellence with Rikkeisoft’s technological expertise, abundant resources, competitive pricing, and a network of renowned advisors, this strategic partnership will help clients accelerate digital transformation, bring products to market faster, and reduce costs and investment”.

About Sumitomo Corporation:  
Sumitomo Corporation (TYO: 8053) is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 128 offices in 65 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation consists of approximately 900 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group’s business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation & Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media & Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of “Enriching lives and the world,” based on Sumitomo Corporation’s business philosophy passed down for over 400 years.

About Rikkeisoft Corporation:  
Founded in 2012, Rikkeisoft is one of Vietnam’s leading digital technology services companies. We provide a comprehensive range of IT services, including software development, AI/ML and data engineering, cloud solutions, product development, support and maintenance, and quality assurance. With over 2,200 engineers operating from nine development centers in Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the U.S., Rikkeisoft is recognized globally as a leader in digital transformation technology.  

For media, please contact:
Minh Phi
Marketing Manager
Email: minhpt@rikkeisoft.com

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SOURCE Rikkeisoft Corporation

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CCTV+: Uniting Against the Fall Armyworm: Science, Collaboration, and the Global Fight for Food Security

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BEIJING, Nov. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In an era of climate change and invasive species threatening global food systems, the fall armyworm has emerged as a relentless adversary. This migratory pest, with its voracious appetite for staple crops like corn and sorghum, has disrupted agriculture across Africa, Asia, and the Americas since its global emergence in 2016. Recognized by the FAO as a “global migratory pest”, it demands constant vigilance and international cooperation.

As a well-established mechanism for addressing global agricultural challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) partnered with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to organize an international workshop in Huizhou, China, from November 11 to 15, 2024. Experts from Kenya, Ghana, and China gathered to exchange strategies for sustainable pest management. Organized by the Institute of Plant Protection, CAAS (IPPCAAS), the event showcased how science, innovation, and collaboration transcend borders to protect global food security.

China faced the first threat of fall armyworm was at the end of 2018 when the pest entered Yunnan Province. Swiftly responding, IPPCAAS implemented robust monitoring systems, including pheromone traps and insect radar stations, to curb its spread. These efforts evolved into the “Three Zones, Four Belts” strategy, segmenting the country into regions based on the pest’s behavior and deploying green technologies like biopesticides and genetically modified Bt corn. This innovative framework has saved millions of hectares of farmland and billions of dollars annually.

China has also actively shared its expertise worldwide. The 2019 Kunming Consensus brought together 11 Asian nations to strengthen pest control efforts. IPPCAAS further contributed as a cornerstone of FAO’s Global Action Plan, supporting pest management across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Huizhou workshop exemplified this global collaboration, offering practical training, such as drone-based pest control, tailored to participants’ regional needs.

 

All these endeavors in pest management has set China a global benchmark. IPPCAAS’s emphasis on early warning systems, regional cooperation, and green technologies has been lauded by the FAO, culminating in the 2024 FAO Achievement Award, recognizing not only the success of its strategies but also their broader impact: protecting crops, livelihoods, and food security for millions. As workshop participants return home equipped with new tools and knowledge, the collective message is clear—no nation can tackle these threats alone. Through shared expertise and international solidarity, the global community is building a resilient future for agriculture and food security.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cctv-uniting-against-the-fall-armyworm-science-collaboration-and-the-global-fight-for-food-security-302317980.html

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